Labrador Winter Games start this weekend

The opening ceremonies of the Games are this Sunday, March 17 at 7 p.m. at the EJ Broomfield Memorial Arena and will be live streamed on the Labrador Winter Games Facebook page. - John Graham

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. —

The Labrador Winter Games begin this weekend and the town is abuzz with activity.

With more than 360 athletes representing 21 communities in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, or on their way, things are getting busy.

The opening ceremonies of the Games are this Sunday, March 17 at 6 p.m. at the EJ Broomfield Memorial Arena and will be live streamed on the Labrador Winter Games Facebook page.

According to Ernie McLean, chairman of the Games, in a previous interview all the tickets to the event went in less than an hour. The tickets to the closing ceremonies went just as quick, and those for the Northern Games went in under 30 minutes.

McLean told the Labradorian two weeks ago everything was on schedule and going really well.

He said there’s a huge amount of work required to get ready for the games, dubbed “The Olympics of the North.”

A variety of sports are represented at the Games, including badminton, ball hockey, target shooting, snowshoe races and darts, just to name a few.

A first this time around is an arts exhibit. McLean said there will be artisans from around Labrador set up during the Games, with some demonstrating their craft.

The Labrador Winter Games run from March 17 to 23. Information on the events and schedule can be found at www.labradorwintergames.ca.